How to overtake a car safely?

Check for hazards

As you move out, look for any hazards hidden ahead of the vehicle you are about to overtake. Does the car/truck need to move right to avoid a stationary vehicle, pedestrians or any other hazard?

Just because you see a decent gap in traffic does not mean you should execute an overtaking manoeuvre. Gauge if there’s sufficient space available to pull out of your lane, overtake the vehicle ahead and get back to your lane without any chance of colliding with an oncoming vehicle. At times, you might need to wait, observe and trail the vehicle in front for a few minutes in order to gauge whether it’s safe to go past.

Look out for hazards and gauge if the overtaking manoeuvre can be executed safely.

You should plan to be on the opposite carriageway for as little time as possible even though it might be empty for a sufficient distance. However, do not cut back in too early either as your car could end up brushing against the vehicle being overtaken.

Be patient

Driving on single carriageways can be frustrating especially if a queue has piled up behind a slower moving heavy vehicle. During such times, drivers tend to get impatient and are ready to overtake as soon as an opportunity arises. It’s not uncommon to see a driver blindly following a vehicle ahead that is already overtaking another one. That is a dangerous situation to get into because the vehicle might suddenly slow down due to a hazard and pull back into its lane. And even if the vehicle ahead does manage to pass through, there might not be sufficient space for you to pass safely. Bear in mind, being impatient in these situations could turn out to be deadly.

Make provisions for a safety margin.

Even if the above mentioned rules are followed, you should still prepare for the worst case scenario. For example, the road ahead could suddenly narrow down. Always assume that the closing speed of the oncoming car or truck is a bit faster. Similarly, assume that a fast car could come around the bend suddenly and you won’t have the time or sufficient space to react. Assume you will take a bit longer to pass and that the car you are trying to overtake is starting to accelerate. And always make provisions for a big safety margin.

Get a good look at what's ahead, not just a glance.

A seemingly harmless dip might conceal an approaching car which could result in a fatal collision mid-overtake. Anticipating the worst will keep you on the backfoot and out of harm’s way. Not everybody is blessed with stellar car control and reflexes which can save the day.

Also bear in mind, public transport buses have a tendency to not pull over at the bus stop and instead, just stop in the middle of the road. They also start pulling away without indicating their intentions. If the vehicle you are about to overtake starts accelerating hard then let it pass and never get into a race.

Pulling off a safe overtaking manoeuvre isn’t as easy as one expects and doing it right is even more difficult. Your brain has to process a lot of information and what makes it even more difficult is that the situation is changing every second. And whatever you do, be patient when you’re overtaking. 

Overtaking on wet roads and at night

This poses the biggest hazard and is something you need to be extra wary of.

• At night you can see only as much as the spread of the headlamps allow.
• Check that the windscreen is clean, its washing fluid is topped up and that the wipers are working fine.
• Avoid getting too close to the sides of the road as the accumulated mud, slush and leaves are likely to reduce traction and could result in a dangerous skid.
• There is less grip on wet roads. It affects braking and speeds at which you can take corners.
• While changing lanes on dual carriageways, be careful on the painted lane markings as they don’t offer sufficient grip especially under wet conditions. 
• Check the state of your tyres and whether they have sufficient tread.